Illinois DCFS Is Urging Families to Assign a ‘Water Watcher’

As Illinois families across the state head to swimming pools, lakes, beaches, and splash pads to escape the summer heat, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is urging parents and caregivers to take one simple step that could save a child's life: designate a "Water Watcher"

Illinois Launches Summer Water Safety Push

The statewide initiative, launched in partnership with Safe Kids Illinois and Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, encourages adults to assign one responsible person whose only job is to actively supervise children whenever they are in or near water.

The campaign comes as drowning remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths among children.

Drowning Can Happen in Seconds

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death of children ages 1 to 4 and the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14.

Officials say many of these tragedies occur quietly and within seconds, even when children know how to swim or are wearing life jackets.

A designated Water Watcher agrees to maintain constant visual contact with children, remain at the water's edge until another adult takes over, avoid distractions such as phones, conversations, or alcohol, and call 911 immediately in an emergency.

Officials Stress Constant Supervision

"Water is always an attraction, particularly for children," Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller said. "It only takes a few seconds for an accidental drowning to occur. Remaining vigilant around water can save your child's life.

DCFS is encouraging Illinois families to download the free printable Water Watcher tags and review additional water safety resources before heading to the water this summer.